Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Posting content of a sexual nature on a social networking Web site may be a clue to the author's intent to engage in sex, according to new research. The findings of the study, led by Dr. Megan Moreno of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, are being presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies' conference in Vancouver, which concludes May 4.
"We thought if someone references sexual behavior, it might mean literally that they're engaging in sexual behavior," Moreno said. "It may [also] mean that they are engaging in more risky sexual behavior by the fact that... they're willing to talk about it in this public forum."
The team also considered whether users of Web sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace who post racy or sexually suggestive comments may simply be grandstanding.
Study participants were 85 college freshmen users of Facebook who were surveyed about their sexual experiences and risk-taking. Risk-taking was assessed by survey items including self-reported intention to use condoms or have multiple partners.
Participants who were not sexually active, but were less likely to postpone sex based on the score of their self-reports, were more likely to post inappropriate sexual material on their Facebook page. The study suggests there is an association between sexual activity online and self-reported intention to initiate intercourse.
"What we hear from parents is that they don't know when is the right time to have that discussion [about sex]," said Moreno. "I think this is exciting because as parents are becoming more aware of Facebook, if they happen to view those types of references, it could be a big clue that now's the time to have that talk."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM